Dutee Chand reveals she is in a same-sex relationship with her soulmate

The fastest Indian woman athlete reveals that she is in a same-sex relationship with her soulmate and has become the first Indian sports to acknowledge being in a same-sex relationship.

However, the athlete did not name the girl because of the “undue attention”.

“I have found someone who is my soulmate. I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with. I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person’s choice. Currently, my focus is on the World Championships and the Olympic Games but in the future, I would like to settle down with her,” Dutee told The Sunday Express.

She said she had gathered the courage to speak out for the rights of the LGBT community, and about her own same-sex relationship after the Supreme Court’s historic decision to decriminalise Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code last year.

“I have always believed that everyone should have the freedom to love. There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied. The Supreme Court of India has also struck down the old law. I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want. It is a personal decision, which should be respected. I will continue to strive to win medals for India at international meets,” Dutee said.

Though India does not recognise LGBT marriages, there is no law that prohibits a symbolic same-sex union.